Some Muslim oufits had earlier sought permission to stage protest in the city against the controversial film but were refused owing to law and order reasons. The Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid and few other community leaders too had expressed their disagreement with the mode of protest.

However on Wednesday, some youths gathered in the Lal Darwaza area and started jeering at the chief minister. As the mob moved towards Jama Masjid, it started shouting slogans against the Shai Imam and also started pelting stones at the police.

Later the mob set several vehicles parked outside the nearby police station on fire. Four policemen have been injured in the incident.

Police sources maintained that the situation was brought under control after the initial flare-up.